By Grace Q. Bryant
Grand Bassa County District 2 Representative, Clarence Banks, has voiced strong disapproval against Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, accusing her of manipulating legislative caucus’ decisions for personal and political gains.
Venting out at a press briefing in his Capitol Building office on October 15, Banks criticized Senator Lawrence for allegedly prioritizing Unity Party loyalists over more qualified citizens for local leadership roles.
He claimed that Lawrence, despite her senior role as Senate Pro Tempore, continues to interfere in district-level appointments to advance her political allies.
According to Banks, Senator Lawrence has ignored his office’s recommendations for leadership positions in the district, accusing her of monopolizing power in Grand Bassa County.
He further alleged that Lawrence has used public radio to spread misinformation about him, damaging his reputation to further her own agenda.
Banks pointed to a specific instance where his office submitted 11 names for various leadership roles in the county, none of which were accepted.
He accused Lawrence of blocking these recommendations to promote her political interests.
He also recalled a message from Lawrence in which she allegedly stated that individuals affiliated with the former ruling CDC party could not be considered for government positions, instead favoring Unity Party members.
Banks emphasized the need for leadership appointments based on merit and qualifications rather than political loyalty.
He called for greater transparency in the selection process and warned Senator Lawrence against further interference, asserting that, as the district’s representative, he is better suited to decide who serves the district’s interests.
Banks expressed frustration over Lawrence’s continued involvement in local appointments, claiming that she has sidelined competent candidates in favor of Unity Party loyalists.
He accused her of undermining a process meant to serve the broader community.
Additionally, Banks accused Lawrence of nepotism, alleging that she has appointed family members to prominent government positions.
He argued that her actions threaten the democratic process and reduce opportunities for qualified citizens to serve.
Banks urged his fellow lawmakers to resist Lawrence’s attempts to dominate the political landscape of Grand Bassa County, stressing that leadership roles should be based on merit, not party loyalty.
He reiterated his call for Lawrence to stop interfering with district leadership recommendations, asserting that he knows the best candidates to advance the district’s interests.
When the office of Senate Lawrence through the public relations officer, Henry Karmo was contacted, he stated that the Senator said she had nothing to say on the matter.
